World-renowned pianist Gülsin Onay appeared before audiences with a solo recital for the first time in 50 years at the CSO Tarihi Salon, where she took the first steps of her professional career and has given countless performances. The sold-out concert became a historic night, with standing ovations that went on for minutes.
On the evening of 7 February, State Artist and pianist Gülsin Onay took music lovers on a profound journey at the legendary Tarihi Salon (Historic Hall) of the Presidential Symphony Orchestra (CSO) in Ankara. At this iconic venue – where she first performed exactly 50 years ago and has given countless performances over the years – she met her audience this time in a solo recital format. This special occasion brought together Onay’s virtuosity and the hall’s historic character, becoming a celebration of musical continuity.
The programme of works by Joseph Haydn, Ahmet Adnan Saygun, Frédéric Chopin and Franz Schubert came to life through Onay’s masterful interpretation. Her readings of Chopin’s pieces in particular, which demand both technical skill and grace, and of Schubert’s dramatic sonata, offered listeners a musical feast of great intensity.
“One of the most joyous concerts of my career”
At the end of the concert, the minutes-long standing ovation from the entire packed hall was the clearest sign of the evening’s exhilaration. In response to this warm reception, Gülsin Onay thanked her audience with encores by Chopin and Beethoven. The artist described the performance as “one of the most joyous and beautiful concerts” of her career, and the evening left a mark on Ankara’s cultural life that will not soon be forgotten.
